We know that clear communication and effective outreach are critical components of a successful lead service line replacement or water affordability program. Additionally, state and federal legislation require multiple touches to residents regarding water service lines. Cook County TAP aims to make it easy for you to share important updates with your community.
Below, you will find customizable notification letters and communication templates for use by municipalities, community water suppliers, and others. The first page of each letter contains instructions on how to customize the content and a summary of any requirements or context for sending it.
Please check back soon: We will continue to share customizable letters and templates to help you communicate a range of topics and fulfill upcoming requirements.
Notification of Service Line Material: The following customizable letters will help you fulfill requirements to notify customers of known or potential service lines containing lead (including galvanized lines requiring replacement and lines of unknown materials).
- Annual Notification of Known Service Line Containing Lead
- Annual Notification of Service Line that is Galvanzied Requiring Replacement
- Annual Notification of Service Line of Unknown Material
Planned or Emergency Disturbance to Service Lines: The following customizable letters will help you fulfill requirements to notify residents and building owners of disturbances to service lines.
- Resident Notification: Planned Disturbance of Water Service that is Known to or May Potentially Contain Lead
- Resident Notification: Emergency Repairs to Water Service Resulting in a Partial Lead Service Line Replacement
- Building Owner Notification: To Initiate Full Lead Service Line Replacement After Emergency Partial Replacement
Communicating Effectively About Lead Service Line Replacement: The following templates will help you empower residents to make informed decisions and feel confident to participate in your lead service replacement program. Learn more about the pilot project behind these templates in a case study on Elevate's website: Leading the Way: Evergreen Park’s Lead Service Line Communication Strategy
- Handout Materials (for use in flyers, letters, door hangers, and other materials)
- Newsletter Content (for use in print or electronic newsletters)
- Website Content (for use on a utility website or other materials)
Helping Residents Manage Water Use: The following templates will help you increase engagement in your utility’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure ("AMI") system, including water consumer portals. Learn more about the pilot project behind these templates in a case study on Elevate's website: Empowering Residents in the Village of Phoenix, One Leak Alert at a Time
- Handout Materials (for use in flyers, letters, door hangers, and other materials)
- Media Pitch (to gain additional exposure for your utility’s water consumer portal)
- Consumer Portal Sign-up Instructions (for use on a water utility website or other materials)